Although it has been a while since I lasted posted, you all were certainly not far from my thoughts. During my absence, I had an unwelcome visitor. You may have had the same or similar visitor and you definitely can’t call it a “guest”. Mine went by the name of System Security Malware/Spyware. Yep. One big, ugly virus visitor that set up residence on my PC!
But as you see, we’re alive and well. Now for those of you who are already familiar with my PC “guest” and have “been there, done that”, my apologizes. Please indulge the rest of virus “virgins” to enlighten and educate ourselves.
This big, mean, hairy monster lives and hides in the dark corners of the web disguised as Free Downloads, just waiting for you to succumb to your greed. This is no scare tactic. The threat is real. But there is no reason to dump your PC and start over, or spend an arm and a leg and first born to fix.
Here are a few tips to get you back to PC heaven and web browsing dreams. I will make this in the plain speech required for “moi” to understand. You know, Virus 101 for Dummies!
Step one : Don’t Panic!
Step Two : Check to make sure you have up to date Anti-virus software like AVG currently running, scanning and zapping any threats. You can do this by clicking on your Control Panel on your desk top, then access your Security Center. It will list 3 important items-
- Firewall
- Automatic Updates
- Virus Protection
Next to each is an Indicator button. They should all say ON and be GREEN. If any are Red and OFF then you need to get busy and see why. If one is red, there should be a link below which reads-Recommendations. Click it and follow the prompts.
It may be that your Virus Protection is out of date, as was the case with mine. Hence, I unwittingly downloaded the dreaded malware/spyware-System Security. Make no mistake about it, this program is intense and is not messing around. You cannot delete it and it will steal all your personal data.
Step Three : Immediately access Microsoft.com. I cannot stress enough to not waste time with other cute do-it-yourself remedies. Once on Microsoft’s web site, scroll to Downloads on the Menu, then to Security and Updates. There you have the option to Download Security Updates. Click it and there are a few different downloads to choose from. Or go directly to this link: http://www.microsoft.com/protect/products/computer/default.mspx
You’ll see these, as well as other downloads available:
- Microsoft Live One-Care
- Windows Defender
- Malicious Software Removal Tool
- Windows Steady State (returns your PC to default settings)
A few negative comments had been made about Windows Defender, and I not being truly informed about this program, chose not to select it. My natural inclination was to select the Malicious Software Removal Tool, which I did. This was not successful, however. You can call me paranoid, but I swear that malware knew that I was trying to “kill” it! It kept killing my page as soon as I loaded it. So, I went through to a different page and accessed the Microsoft Live One-Care and clicked download as quickly as I could.
Hints: When I Googled “System Security” I found dozens of links, blog posts and products claiming to eradicate it, for the small price of 49.95! Don’t be fooled by the FREE Scanning promo. The scan is Free. Cleaning your PC and removing the malware will cost you. The exception to this and the only one I can absolutely recommend is a Microsoft product. After all, it’s their baby. With Live One-Care you CAN purchase the software or you can take the Free Trial for 90 days. After that, you willneed to purchase the on going system or another one like it.
It’s not the only reputable Anti-Virus Software available, but it was the only one I felt sure about, and the removal tool is free. The ongoing Anti-Virus system will cost you no matter what.
I’m glad I went with the 90 day trial because I have some compatibility issues with my Firefox browser. So, I have that time to see if I can make them work together. If not, I will go back to AVG or another good software.
If you would like more info or have questions, please feel free to email me directly.
Have a PCful night!
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